Chapter 70. Reunion Spanning Time and Space & The Worldline Shift Called "Correction"
As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the heavy war smoke and spilled over the ruins, the nightmare known as the "Great Feud" finally came to a close. Alfia was gone, and so was Zard. Though no bodies remained, everyone knew it was the final elegy of the old era and a curtain call to make way for the new.
Shirou Emiya lay on Alise's lap—don't ask why it was a lap pillow; it's a wounded warrior's privilege and a perk a light novel protagonist must enjoy. He felt his body growing lighter, not the light-headedness of blood loss, but a feeling of his very essence being stripped away by the world.
It seems... the time has come. Shirou raised his hand and looked at his fingertips. They were already becoming translucent, turning into golden light particles drifting toward the sky. This special effect was practically the standard configuration for a Heroic Spirit's exit in a Fate setting—aesthetic, with a hint of a "burning budget."
"Shirou?! Your hand?!" Ryuu Lion, who was using a handkerchief to wipe his face, cried out in terror. "Why is it glowing? I can even see the ground through it?!"
"Is it... a side effect of that magic from earlier?!" Lyra tossed aside her large shield and lunged over. "Hey! Don't scare me! Didn't we agree you'd cook for us for a lifetime?! This counts as a breach of contract! This is definitely a breach of contract!"
"Sorry, Lyra." Shirou gave an apologetic smile. Although his body was vanishing, his spirit was lighter than ever before. "It looks like this passing chef's visa has expired. If I don't leave, the world's firewall will delete me as a virus."
"Where are you going?" Alise tightly held Shirou's disappearing hand. The usually energetic red-haired captain's voice was trembling. "Back to your hometown? In the Far East? Or somewhere further?"
"Well... probably in the... future," Shirou said softly.
"The future?" Kaguya froze for a moment, then seemed to realize something. "I see... no wonder your swordsmanship, your cooking, and your knowledge of the Dark Faction... were all so advanced. I was wondering how a native of this era could make such delicious Mapo Tofu! You... did you come back from the future to save us?"
"Who knows."
Shirou didn't give a direct answer, but simply looked deeply at the girls before him.
Alise, Kaguya, Lyra, and Ryuu. In the original history, they all should have died in a trap a few days later, leaving only Ryuu to live on carrying a heavy cross. But now, they were all alive. Though covered in scars and in a wretched state, they were alive—they could still cry, laugh, and argue over what to eat for dinner. That was enough. That was the meaning of his swing.
"Listen up, everyone." Shirou's voice began to sound ethereal, as if coming from a great distance, carrying its own reverb effect.
"The road ahead... might be difficult. The Dark Faction won't stop here, and the Guild might not be reliable. But... as long as you are together. As long as you don't give up the swords in your hands and the justice in your hearts..."
His gaze finally landed on Ryuu. The elf with sky-blue eyes who was always prone to overthinking and was stubborn enough that nine bulls couldn't pull her back once she set her mind on something.
"Ryuu."
"I'm here." Ryuu tried desperately to wipe her tears, but they wouldn't stop, like a flood bursting through a dam. She never thought she would cry this much for a man she had known for less than a month.
"Don't turn into... a ghost who only knows revenge." Shirou reached out with his nearly vanished hand, phantomly stroking Ryuu's cheek.
"Your wind... should be free, and warm. Don't let hatred dye your wings black. You have to... live on with a smile, for everyone's sake."
"Wuu... mgh! I promise you!" Ryuu nodded vigorously, sobbing uncontrollably. "I will absolutely... absolutely never forget you! Even if a hundred years, a thousand years pass! Even if an elf's lifespan reaches its end!"
"That's good." Shirou closed his eyes with satisfaction.
The last trace of weight in his body vanished. The scene in his vision froze on the faces of the girls—crying yet filled with hope. This CG could probably make it into the Top 10 most moving scenes of the year.
"Well then... goodbye. One day in the future... we will meet again. If that future truly exists."
The light intensified. The red Heroic Spirit turned into countless golden particles, merging into the morning light of Orario. It was like an unreal dream. But the traces he left behind—the broken swords all over the ground, the saved lives, and the seed named hope—were forever etched into this era.
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Thud!
A strong sensation of falling. It was like free-falling from ten thousand meters without a parachute, finally slamming into a... soft bed?
"Phew—!" Shirou Emiya sat up abruptly, gasping for air, cold sweat soaking through his pajamas. The feeling was like waking up from a seven-year-long nightmare. He instinctively reached for his waist—empty, the twin swords were gone. He felt his chest—heartbeat normal, no wounds, no pain. He looked at his right hand—perfectly intact, the skin even looking fairer than before? The carbonization marks from projecting Ea had completely vanished.
"This is..." Shirou looked around. Familiar stone walls, familiar magic stone lamps, and the towering Babel outside the window. The air no longer smelled of suffocating blood and char, only a faint incense. This was—the Twilight Manor. The headquarters of the Loki Familia.
"I'm... back?" Shirou was in a daze. Was everything just a dream? The Dark Age, Alfia, Zard, and everyone from the Astraea Familia... were they just a revolving lantern produced in a near-death state?
"No, it wasn't a dream." Shirou clenched his fist. The magic circuits in his body still retained that resilience from being pushed to the limit. The combat instincts honed on the edge of life and death were etched into his bones. Furthermore... deep in his soul, on the [Moon Cell Skill Tree] panel, a golden achievement badge had appeared.
[Epic Quest Completed: The Observer Who Twists Tragedy] [Reward: Reality Marble · Unlimited Blade Works (Full Version) Unlocked] [Reward: Worldline Divergence 1.048596% -> ??? (Worldline Reconstructed)]
"Worldline shift..." Shirou muttered to himself.
This was the "Steins;Gate" effect! The butterfly flapped its wings. The past had changed. So... what has the current future become? Have many things turned out differently?
"Emiya? You're awake?"
Just then, the door was pushed open. Ais Wallenstein walked in carrying a basin of water. She still had that cool and beautiful appearance, her long golden hair draped casually over her shoulders. Seeing Shirou sitting on the bed, her golden eyes lit up instantly. The basin in her hand fell with a clang, splashing water everywhere.
"Emiya!" Ais lunged forward and hugged Shirou. "Thank goodness... thank goodness... you were unconscious for three whole days... Riveria said your soul fluctuations had vanished... I..."
"Sorry for making you worry." Shirou gently patted Ais's back, feeling the girl's real warmth. It seemed he had indeed returned to the correct point in time. The Great Feud (modern version) was over. He had collapsed after fighting Ottar.
However... Shirou suddenly thought of something, and his heart began to race. This was the crucial moment to verify the worldline shift.
"Ais, that... about Miss Ryuu..."
"Ryuu?" Ais looked up, gazing at Shirou with some confusion, as if looking at a patient with sudden amnesia.
"You mean 'Gale'? What about her?"
"Is she... is she doing well? I mean... is she still a fugitive?" Shirou asked tentatively. If history hadn't changed, the current Ryuu should still be the "black sheep" wanted by the Guild for revenge, hiding in a pub washing dishes, burdened by a heavy past.
"A fugitive?" Ais tilted her head as if looking at an idiot, even reaching out to feel Shirou's forehead. "What are you talking about, Emiya? Did you sleep yourself into a daze? Or did Ottar break your brain? Ryuu Lion... is the Vice-Captain of the Astraea Familia. And she's a Guild-certified Agent of Justice. How could she be a fugitive?"
"...Huh?" Shirou was stunned. His brain stalled for three seconds.
Vice-Captain? Agent of Justice? That means...
"The Astraea Familia... is still around?" Shirou's voice trembled slightly with uncontrollable excitement.
"Of course they are," Ais said as if it were common knowledge.
"Though they are usually low-key and mainly operate in the City of Justice (another base) assisting the Guild with difficult tasks. But I heard recently that Captain Alise brought everyone back to Orario to report on their duties. They're having a meal right now at 'The Hostess of Fertility.' Apparently, it's to celebrate some anniversary."
Boom! Shirou felt a firework explode in his mind. They survived. They all survived! The tragedy called "Annihilation" had been completely erased! The future full of regret had been rewritten by his own hands! Alise didn't die, Kaguya didn't die, Lyra didn't die... and Ryuu was no longer alone!
"Haha... Hahaha!" Shirou couldn't help but laugh out loud, and as he laughed, tears began to flow. This was likely the happiest moment of his life.
"Thank goodness... truly... great..."
"Emiya?" Ais looked worriedly at Shirou, who was crying and laughing.
"Are you really okay? Should I call Riveria to check your head? Or have Tsubaki forge a helmet that can stabilize your brain?"
"I'm fine! I've never been clearer!" Shirou threw off the covers and jumped out of bed. He felt like he had just won the five-million-dollar lottery. "Ais! Let's go! Let's go eat! To 'The Hostess of Fertility'! Now! Immediately! Right now!"
"Eh? But you just woke up..."
"Doesn't matter! I feel like I could eat a cow! No, I could cook a cow!"
"...I'm coming too. I want fried potato puffs."
"Buy, buy, buy! Today is on me! Is it not just money? I have plenty of magic stones!"
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Orario, West Main Street.
The sun was exceptionally bright today, and the streets were bustling, filled with an atmosphere of peace. Shirou Emiya pulled Ais along, sprinting through the crowd like a young lad rushing to see his first love. Passing adventurers stared, wondering if this red-haired kid had lost his mind, doing such intense exercise right after being discharged.
"Slow down... Emiya..." Although Ais was saying slow down, her pace didn't lag at all (after all, she's a Lv. 6; this speed was a stroll to her).
Finally. The familiar sign appeared before them. [The Hostess of Fertility]. However, the pub seemed exceptionally lively today. Before even entering, one could hear the deafening laughter and rowdiness from within.
"CHEERS—!!! Alise! You stole my meat again! That's mine!" "This is the Captain's privilege! Kaguya, you're too stingy! As a subordinate, you should have the resolve to offer tribute!" "Lyra! Don't put bombs on the dining table! That's the third table destroyed this week!"
Hearing these familiar voices, Shirou stood at the door and took a deep breath to calm his excited heart. These sounds were the most wonderful music in the world. Then, he pushed open the door.
"Welcome!" Syr's energetic voice rang out.
In the pub's main hall, several long tables had been pushed together. A group of girls in various casual clothes were sitting together, enjoying food and wine.
The red-haired Alise was as full of life as ever, laughing with her glass raised, lacking any ladylike poise. The black-haired Kaguya, though looking disgusted, was still helping everyone serve food—a typical tsundere. The Pallum Lyra was perched on a chair, trying to snatch food from someone else's plate with heartbreakingly skilled movements. And... the elf wearing the green waitress uniform (it seemed even as Vice-Captain, one has to work to pay off debts? Or perhaps just for nostalgia?), who was pouring wine for everyone.
Ryuu Lion.
Her hair was a bit longer than in his memories (the Dark Age), and her gaze was no longer that deathly cold, but held a... gentle calm. It was the gaze one has when surrounded by love. Around her neck hung a small pendant. If one looked closely, they would see a piece of wood polished into the shape of a sword (the one Shirou made back then).
As if sensing a gaze from the door, Ryuu stopped her movements and slowly turned her head.
Their eyes met.
Time seemed to freeze at this moment. The surrounding clamor, the clinking of glasses, the noise—everything vanished. All that remained were their reflections in each other's eyes.
"..." The wine bottle in Ryuu's hand tilted slightly, the liquid spilling onto the table, but she didn't notice. In those sky-blue eyes, a trace of confusion, a trace of shock, and... a deeply etched familiarity spanning seven years flashed.
"Ryuu? What's wrong? Can't move because you saw a handsome guy?" Alise joked as she turned around. Then, she too froze. The chicken leg in her hand dropped to the floor with a splat.
"Is that..." Alise rubbed her eyes and looked at Shirou again. Red hair. Amber eyes. Though his aura had become more mature and his clothes were different... that feeling. The feeling of the boy who stood before them on a desperate night and said, "I'll do the cooking."
"No... it can't be?" The chopsticks in Kaguya's hand fell to the floor with a crisp sound.
"That... that legendary 'Ghost Chef'? The... first love (not really) object that exists only in our memories? That mysterious person who appeared and disappeared suddenly?"
The room went silent. Even Mama Mia, who was wiping glasses behind the bar, stopped her movements and looked over with great interest.
Shirou Emiya stood at the door, looking at this group of girls who had long grown up yet still kept their original hearts. He took a deep breath and flashed that trademark, reassuring smile. "Sorry I'm late. Is there any of today's recommended menu... left?"
"..." Ryuu's body began to tremble violently. She put down the wine bottle and walked toward Shirou step by step. Every step felt as unreal as stepping on cotton. She was afraid this was a dream, afraid that if she reached out, the person before her would turn into light particles and vanish just like seven years ago.
"You..." Ryuu stood before Shirou and looked up, her eyes turning red instantly. "Are you... really... the one from... that time..."
"Yeah." Shirou nodded, his gaze gentle. "I am Shirou Emiya. That... passing blacksmith."
"Idiot...!" Ryuu couldn't hold back anymore. Regardless of the people around, regardless of her current status, and regardless of the sharp-eyed Sword Princess nearby, she lunged into Shirou's arms.
"Idiot! Idiot! Big idiot!" Ryuu cried as she pounded on Shirou's chest; this was likely her most undignified moment. "Why... why are you only appearing now?! We've been looking for you for seven years! Seven whole years! You vanished after that day... we couldn't even find a body... we thought... we thought you..."
"Sorry." Shirou hugged Ryuu, feeling her real warmth. This wasn't a dream. This was the most beautiful reality he had changed with his own hands.
"I'm back, aren't I? Besides..." Shirou looked toward the girls behind her who also had tears in their eyes.
"It looks like you've all been doing well."
"Of course we have!" Alise wiped her tears and rushed over, giving Shirou a bear hug (accidentally squishing Ryuu in the process). "Because you said it! To live on with a smile! We kept the promise! Always! We've been living with a smile the whole time!"
"Too cunning, Captain! I want a hug too!" Lyra rushed over as well, hanging onto Shirou like a koala. "And me!" Kaguya's mouth was stubborn, but her body was honest, as she silently squeezed in.
In an instant, Shirou was submerged by the girls of the Astraea Familia. Is this the so-called "suffocation of happiness"? If this were a way to die, there probably wouldn't be any regrets.
"Um..." Ais, who had been standing to the side watching the star-studded Shirou, saw her ahoge droop lifelessly. The fried potato puffs in her hand suddenly didn't taste as good. A sense of crisis as the "main heroine" made her little head start spinning rapidly.
"Emiya..." Ais puffed out her cheeks, a dark resentment (Blackened Wind King Barrier version) beginning to radiate from her.
"Explain. Who... are all these people? Why do they look so familiar with you? And why are they being so touchy-feely?"
"Uh..." Shirou poked his head out from the pile of girls, sweating profusely as he looked at the about-to-blacken Sword Princess. "Um... Ais, if I said they are my... 'creditors from a past life' (mistakenly), would you believe me?"
"I don't believe you." Ais drew her sword. "Execution."
"Wait! Let me explain! This is force majeure! It's the convergence of worldlines! Help!"
"Die! You philanderer!" Even Syr (Freya), who had been watching the scene, couldn't hold back anymore.
' My, my, it seems the competitors have increased again. And it's a whole Familia?! Isn't this number a bit of a foul?'
Syr's smile became extremely dangerous, a dinner knife appearing in her hand at some point.
'It seems... I have to move up the 'wedding snatching plan.' It's best to pack him up and take him away tonight.'
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That day, an unprecedented "Shura Field War" broke out at The Hostess of Fertility. Though there were no casualties, Shirou Emiya's wallet and spirit suffered devastating blows. Not only did he have to pay the bill for the whole house, but he also had to soothe several women on the verge of a rampage.
But regardless, looking at this noisy, energetic, living group of people, Shirou felt that everything he had done was worth it.
This was the ending he wanted. This was the "Happy End" belonging to an "Ally of Justice."
However, the story did not end there. Because with the survival of the Astraea Familia, the history of Orario had been completely rewritten. The storm brought by the butterfly effect was brewing an even greater crisis.
"Hey, Shirou." After the farce, Ryuu sat beside Shirou and handed him a glass of wine. Her eyes were still red, but her expression was incredibly serious.
"Since you're back... then help us one more time."
"Help with what?"
"That... 'Knossos' (Man-made Labyrinth)." Ryuu lowered her voice. "Though the Dark Faction has been suppressed, that labyrinth still exists. And... there has been new activity recently. We suspect... that 'God' (Thanatos) is still planning something. And it seems to be related to a certain 'Great Hole' underground."
Shirou's hand holding the glass paused slightly. As expected. Even if the past is changed, some "Evil" still exists. As long as the root isn't removed, tragedy will strike again.
"Yeah, leave it to me." Shirou clinked his glass against Ryuu's, a sharp light flashing in his amber eyes.
"Whether it's the Man-made Labyrinth or some Evil God, if they dare destroy this daily life...
I'll fight my way back in once more."
This was the new oath made by the hero named "Infinity" in this new worldline.
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